Recently I got a direct mailer from the NFRP, “the National Federation of Retired People.” I went to their website and found out they have been under investigation since 2001 for their deceptive mail out practices.

It seems they try to represent themselves as being approved by the Social Security Agency. By law no company, corporation or business may use any language that denotes any connection with the SSA.

In fact, they are really a company that buys mailing lists especially concentrating on people of retirement age. This is very dangerous because they ask you to respond and give your personal information. Having access to this information can lead to identity theft. Any insurance agency can buy these lists from them so, infact, they indirectly represent the insurance company that bought the mailings. Santonio, Texas is where they operate out of.

The owner of the company’s name is Elmer Gibson. Has been appearing in several different court proceedings beginning in a case initiated by The Social Security Administration October 28, 2002. Legislation is still pending in several other courts about this matter. Until a final ruling can be met it seems Mr. Gibson’s company is still mailing out these confusing and misleading mailers.

Bottom line, “the the buyer beware.” I suggest you check into any company before releasing your personal information you receive via the mail or phone. The mailer I got wanted me to mail back to them on an enlarged post card and place my personal information on the outside of the for the whole world to see. Anyone handling this return mailer would have my personal information in plain sight for identity theft. Common sense should tell anyone it doesn’t make any sense to broadcast your personal information on the outside of any material you are mailing. you for me or anyone